Whole Fruits Tied to Lower Diabetes Risk

FRIDAY, Aug. 30 (HealthDay News) -- It's no secret that fruit is
good for you. But what kind? A new study links whole fruits --
especially blueberries, grapes and apples -- to a lower risk of
type 2 diabetes, but suggests that fruit juices may actually raise
the risk.

The design of the study, however, doesn't allow it to prove that
whole fruits or fruit juices directly affect the risk of
diabetes.

"While fruits are recommended as a measure for diabetes prevention, previous studies have found mixed results for total fruit consumption," senior author Qi Sun, an assistant professor in the department of nutrition at the Harvard School of Public Health, said in a school news release. "Our findings provide novel evidence suggesting that certain fruits may be especially beneficial for lowering diabetes risk."

The researchers base their findings on an analysis of nearly
190,000 people who took part in three studies from 1984 to 2008 and
weren't initially diagnosed with diabetes, cardiovascular disease
or cancer. About 7 percent of the participants were later diagnosed
with diabetes.

People who ate fruits, especially blueberries, grapes and
apples, at least twice a week were up to 23 percent less likely to
develop type 2 diabetes than those who ate them no more than once a
month, the researchers found. But those who drank a serving or more
of fruit juice a day had an increased risk, up to 21 percent higher
than the others.

What's going on? It's possible that something other than fruit
and fruit juice consumption could explain the differences. Perhaps
people who eat certain fruits share something else in common that
affects their risk of diabetes.

"Our data further endorse current recommendations on increasing whole fruits, but not fruit juice, as a measure for diabetes prevention," lead study author Isao Muraki, a research fellow with the Harvard School of Public Health department of nutrition, said in the news release. "And our novel findings may help refine this recommendation to facilitate diabetes prevention."

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.